The Core Values listed below are the principles that identify who we are as a Conference of churches. These values speak to our enduring convictions about what is most important to us. All of our ministries are guided by these basic values:
1. We Value Relationships and Christian Community
As a family of churches we affirm that, in Christ, we are part of a shared faith story, historically and theologically, and this fellowship builds us up. In offering mutual support, we learn from one another and are enriched together. We value the cooperation this relationship affords, realizing we can do more together than we can individually.
Ephesians 4:3-6; Galatians 3:26-29; 6:1-2; Romans 12:4-5; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
2. We Value the Truth
Jesus is the Truth, and He is faithfully revealed in Scripture. We hold biblical doctrine to be of primary importance, and seek to interpret the Scriptures together. We value the theological approach of the early Anabaptists who read Scripture through the lens of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8; Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39
3. We Value All People
Human beings are created in God's image, and His desire is for all people to be reconciled to Himself through Christ. That is our desire, too. With compassion we seek to carry the good news of salvation to people near and far, serving them in a spirit of humility.
John 3:16; Luke 2:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 18:14
4. We Value Obedience
We believe that to love Jesus is to walk in reverent obedience to Him. He call us to a life of love. Within this calling we are to obey the commission of Christ to make disciples of all nations.
John 14:15, 21, 23; Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 5:1-3; Matthew 28:18-20; Proverbs 1:7; Joshua 24:14
5. We Value Discipleship
We value mature followers of Christ, as expressed in a life of worship, prayer, and deepening faith. We want our faith to be seen in a life of integrity and authenticity. We want to discern God's leading for our lives, individually and corporately.
Mark 8:34-35; Romans 12:1-2; James 2:17; Matthew 28:18-20
6. We Value Families and Youth
We consider it vital that faith in Christ is passed from one generation to the next. We want to see families and youth supported and equipped among our churches. We consider this of great importance in the present and for the future.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:1-4
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